The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-11-20
The Story Of Alice Ayre.

From M1cmitlan's Magazine.
We see how wretched are the parts
Played by msleaders Of the state,
And feel within our echoing hearts
The step of an advancing Fate.
Yes! England,s sun may set alas!
Nav ser In gloom. nor rise again.
Her proud name, like a shadow, pass
Out OF the thoughts and words OF men.
Still there is much not born to die;
Great deeds can never be rndone.
Their splendor yet must I'LL Our sky
Like stars, outlasting even the sun.
rh Hn, nor to move I'VE" them from their place
Why God once ' shaped S the kasisi race emo"
Our childrens children shall repeat
How, with haf unconscious thrill,
wswho yetioye dear England well
Perchance still living on to tell
or those who died-lke Alice Ayres.
Such deeds are Englapd's soul and we,
=, Tossing aside each idler rhyme,
%rs dust Tsp time. 'F''
No tricks of style will this require;
Such stories should be plainly told:
Gems never lose their strength or fire,
Though tinsel settings may grow old.
The heavens are clear and calm when 10,
A sudden voice rings through the night;
Men gather. hurrying to and fro.
small mean house bursts sI form in fame;
Within crash down the burning stairs;
Stands At i the Winao% sf Acs ayr.s
Come down, come down." all cry aloud
CHI "we . have W, the means to break your fall"
And gives no answer to their call
Then. firm that evil hour to meet,
ana on "t tho s Psne
Retires, and straight returns again
A sleeping babe is in her arms,
Whom. with watchful hand and head,
Protecting from all risks and harms,
She drops in safety on the bed.
slowly she steps back, in thar gloom
or strang'ng smoke to disappear
Thence dragging from her instant doom
An older girl who shrleks with fear.
Come down, come down. y the shouts rise high,
Come down, brewery hop. is gone;
sHyf %"Fsth s Savs You
But no there is a third oneyer,
Death therefore must be faced once more;
For her till the whole work Is DER.
All ended now-she might have time
Upon herself a look 10 cast;
h1! n s E Ia re, ,Sns h be- Ss iasm'
With feet asiray and reeling brain.
Ghoked breath, dun ears. and darkened eyea
She staggers onward. but in vain;
IL is TOO Ia:e-she falls and dies
And who was Alice Ayrss - YOU ask
Whose loylesss years were one long task
On stinted food and scanty pays
But neither hunger, toll, nor care
Could eer selfish thought nstiil,
Or quench spirit born 10 dare,
Or freeze that English heart and will
Aswe are well told, it is true
That Engiands worth may thence be shown,
That men and women not few
Like Ahce should be better known.
Enrich, some say, this golden year
Chat no such legend we may lose)
by building up their statues here"
So be IL If the people choose.
But, cold and dead in all men s sight
A statue mOuldcr and decays
While soulleEs hirengs often blight
Grand hero names with formal praise.
Mo- Alice and her partners call
For that which chisels cannot give:
SelfEcuptured on the minis OF ALL
Such memories should not waste but live
Not cabned in ono narrow place
local boast a mere street token;
But, ike the air, dinused through space
SO long AS English words are spoken;
To be drawn in with each new breath
Where red and warm the old blood runs
And DER the wide world conque ring death
Shared thus for ever by our sons.
=. II. DOYLE.